Quality Tools

 What, Why and How

The Basic Quality Tools class is a terrific way to introduce your people to the seven basic tools and techniques in your quality control/assurance toolbox. People that are new to the quality arena will get a good understanding of what, why and how the techniques fit into their job. And, why these quality tools are critical to improving quality and lowering costs.

The Seven Quality Tools

These are the fundamental quality control (QC) tools. Kaoru Ishikawa, professor of engineering at Tokyo University, developed the Cause and Effect (fishbone) diagram. He believed these to be the most important quality control techniques to learn.

The “seven quality control tools”, the “seven old tools” or the “seven basic tools” are also common names given to the basic quality tools.

1. Cause-and-Effect Diagram

The Cause-and-Effect diagram (also called Ishikawa or fishbone chart) identifies many possible causes for an effect or problem and sorts ideas into useful categories. It is an excellent tool to focus a team's efforts on the possible causes of a problem.

The Cause-and-Effect diagram can help in brainstorming exercises, as well.

2. Checksheet

A structured format for collecting and analyzing data. A checksheet provides a uniform and disciplined method for standardizing data collection. Checksheets are also a great way to help insure that all steps of an operation are performed in a specific order and way.

3. Control Charts

Graphs displaying collected and analyzed process data. Generally for keeping track of process changes occurring over a specified time. SPC control charts are essential for determining if a process is statistically stable and capable.

A statistically stable and capable process is predictable in terms of quality and cost.

4. Histogram

Another name for a histogram is frequency distribution. They are similar, but not identical. However, it has become common practice to use either term. They both show how often individual values occur in a set of data.

Histograms tell us the spread of measurements taken from a process. And, the location of the measurements in relationship to the feature's nominal value. These two measurements are usually called the average/mean and range.

5. Pareto Chart

An example of a Pareto chart is shown at the top of this page. A Pareto chart is a type of bar graph showing which issues or problems are more significant. An 80-20 chart is another name for the Pareto chart.

It is commonly said that "80% of your problems are caused by 20% of all causes." We use a Pareto chart to see our causes and calculate their individual percentage of contribution to all problems. We then focus our attention on the 20% of causes that are creating 80% of our problems.

6. Scatter Diagram

A graph showing the relationship between two variables. One variable on each axis (x and y). If the variables have an interaction with each other the measurements for each individual variable reacts to the other.

If the variables have no relationship, then the measurement for one variable doesn't react when the other one changes. Scatter diagrams or plots are great for determining which input factors or variables we should focus on controlling.

7. Stratification

A method to separate data to determine if there are patterns in the data. Data points that gather together around a value are said to be stratified.

The Quality Tools Class

Do you want to get a handle on those quality tools and techniques that are used in the Lean and Six Sigma processes? You will learn to understand and communicate better with your continual improvement team.

Learn in an interactive class environment.

You can have this class presented at your business for less than $53.00. per person. Travel expenses not included.

Class is a one day.

The course includes:

1.       Introduction and overview of quality concepts.

2.       The basic quality tools.

3.       Inspection and sampling methods.

4.       Gage control and calibration.

5.       Continual improvement.

6.       Customer satisfaction.

7.      CEU and RU credits awarded.

Additional Resources